In northern Massachusetts, Tully Lake was built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to control flooding on the Millers and Connecticut Rivers. Though primarily intended for flood control, the lake and surrounding land offer several recreational activities attracting many visitors each year. No matter the season, there is no shortage of things to do during a visit to Tully Lake.
Once you arrive at the recreation area, you can relax and unwind. Head out onto the lake in a paddleboat to explore the coves and wetlands. If you want to stretch your legs, there are three hiking trails of lengths varying from four miles to 22 miles. Each trail provides beautiful scenery and the opportunity for wildlife viewing. The 7.5-mile Mountain Bike Trail gives cyclists a challenging yet scenic ride through hills, over bridges, and along the river.
Plan to stay overnight at or near Tully Lake to make the most out of your visit. Tully Lake Campground does not have RV campsites, but tent sites are available. For those with RVs or travel trailers, Erving State Forest and Otter River State forest are both under 20 miles away from Tully Lake. The state forest campgrounds are pet-friendly and offer many amenities.
Tully Lake is located in Royalston, Massachusetts. The lake and recreation area can be accessed from MA-32. There are several towns nearby, making the drive short if in need of services and supplies such as gas or groceries.
The recreation area at Tully Lake is open from May to October. After October, only the upper gate remains open during the wintertime. During the winter, check the weather prior to making the drive out and come prepared for snow and ice.
Though Tully Lake Campground has several campsites, none are accessible by RVs. If in an RV or towing a trailer, you’ll need to make the short drive to one of the nearby state forest campgrounds.
While there are reservable campsites at Tully Lake Campground, the campsites are tent-only and aren’t accessible by RVs. The campsites can only be accessed by foot. There are two state forests nearby that can accommodate those with RVs or travel trailers.
Erving State Forest is just 14 miles west of Tully Lake. This state forest has 27 campsites that can accommodate RVs or trailers up to 14 feet. These sites are non-electric, however, generator use is permitted. Pets are welcome in the state forest. Additional amenities include restrooms, a pavilion, and food storage lockers.
Located 14 miles east of Tully Lake is Otter River State Forest. The state forest’s 76 campsites and three group sites are reservable. The campground is open from May to October and reservations are encouraged because it can fill up quickly. Otter River can accommodate RVs up to 20 feet long. The campground is pet-friendly, so feel free to bring along your furry companions.
Boating is popular on Tully Lake with many coves to explore. The lake is ideal for paddle boats since there is a 10 horsepower limit on motorboats. Motorboats can be launched at the boat ramp and paddleboats can be launched at either the boat ramp or Tully River Canoe Launch. Don’t have a paddleboat? Canoes and kayaks can be rented between May and October from Tully Lake Campground.
The 7.5-mile Mountain Bike Trail runs along Tully River and Long Pond and provides a rugged opportunity for mountain biking. This trail is shared with hikers, so watch out for those on foot while out riding. The trail can be difficult with hills, several rocky sections, and narrow bridges. The trail is considered to be moderate to challenging and is not recommended for beginners.
Several trails can be enjoyed at Tully Lake. For those looking for a rigorous adventure, head down the 22-mile Tully Trail to see the many attractions along the way. Hikers will see Royalston Falls, Jacobs Hill, and Tully Mountain along this route. Visitors looking for a more leisurely hike will want to explore the Lake Trail. This four-mile trail has many scenic views as you loop around the lake and Doane’s Falls. Hikers are also welcome on the Mountain Bike Trail which runs along the Tully River and Long Pond. The 7.5-mile trail is a great spot for wildlife viewing.
Fishing is great on Tully Lake whether you’re on a boat or fishing from the shoreline. There are several species of fish in the lake including largemouth bass, chain pickerel, bluegill, and yellow perch. Trout occasionally make their way into the lake from stocking sites located upstream. Anglers are bound to have luck during their visit to Tully Lake. If planning to fish, don’t forget your Massachusett’s fishing license!
The Tully Lake Disc Golf Course was created by a local boy scout as an Eagle Project. Today, the completed project provides the perfect opportunity for a practice round or a friendly competition with friends or family. The disc golf course remains open during the winter months, so if feeling cooped up on a cold day, bundle up and drive over to Tully Lake.
Tully Lake is a destination worth visiting during the wintertime. Once snow blankets the area, head out to the lake with your snowshoes and cross-country skis. There are several trails to explore around the lake. While the trails are marked, they aren’t groomed. Wildlife lives in the area even during the winter months. Keep an eye out for animals and their tracks while out on the trails.
